{"id":206687,"date":"2019-07-16T16:59:32","date_gmt":"2019-07-16T21:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.liveaction.org\/news\/?p=206687"},"modified":"2019-07-16T18:29:37","modified_gmt":"2019-07-16T23:29:37","slug":"planned-parenthood-prez-leana-wen-ousted-immediately","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.liveaction.org\/news\/planned-parenthood-prez-leana-wen-ousted-immediately\/","title":{"rendered":"Shock: Planned Parenthood prez Leana Wen ousted ‘effective immediately’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Less than a year into her role as president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Dr. Leana Wen is now out of job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wen, the former Baltimore City Health Commissioner and emergency room doctor, took to <\/span>Twitter<\/span><\/a> to share the news about her ouster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Just moments ago, Wen issued her statement (emphasis added):<\/span><\/p>\n

As a physician and public health leader, I came to Planned Parenthood to lead a national health organization that provides essential primary and preventive care to millions of underserved women and families, and to advocate for a broad range of policies that affect our patients\u2019 health. I believe that the way to protect abortion care is to be clear that it is not a political issue but a health care one<\/strong>, and that we can expand support for reproductive rights by finding common ground with the large majority of Americans who understand reproductive health care as the fundamental health care that it is.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I am leaving because the new Board Chairs and I have philosophical differences over the direction and future of Planned Parenthood.<\/strong> It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside dedicated doctors, nurses, clinicians, staff, and volunteers who are on the frontlines of health care in our country. I will always stand with Planned Parenthood, as I continue my life\u2019s\u2019 work and mission of caring for and fighting for women, families, and communities.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Wen’s sudden removal comes as a strong majority of Americans favor restrictions on abortion rights, <\/span>with eight in 10 favoring limiting abortion to \u2013at most\u2013 the first three months of pregnancy, according to recent\u00a0<\/span>polling<\/span><\/a> by Marist. In addition, polling shows that most Americans, including women<\/a>, oppose taxpayer-funded abortion. And a recent Gallup poll shows that increasingly more Americans are holding to a pro-life view<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson reacted to the news:<\/p>\n

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Leana, I know exactly how Planned Parenthood works and know ALL about their secret meetings. If you ever want to talk about your experience (in complete confidence), I\u2019m here. I will help in any way I can through your transition. \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n

\u2014 Abby Johnson (@AbbyJohnson) July 16, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n